CLUB POLICY FOR DISABLED SUPPORTERS 2009/10

Plymouth Argyle Football Club fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.

The club recognises that not all of its facilities are fully accessible to its supporters with disabilities and confirms that it is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments described by the Disability Discrimination Act and its relevant Codes of Practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.

DEFINITION OF DISABILITY

As a fundamental principle the Disability Discrimination Act states that people with disabilities should not be treated "less favourably, without justification"; and "reasonable adjustments" should be made to make goods, services and facilities accessible. Plymouth Argyle Football Club aim to fully comply with both the spirit and provisions of the Act.

For the purposes of this Policy the definition of a supporter eith disabilities is:

"Any person who, because of their disability or impairment, is unable to use ordinary seating without contravening Health and Safety Regulations, Guidelines or Policy or where the club has provided a "reasonable adjustment" to enable that supporter to attend the venue. Any such person will be considered for use of the "designated areas" of the stadium in line with the procedures set out in this policy."

A "reasonable adjustment" in the context shall include (but is not limited to), the need to use a wheelchair platform, the need to bring a "personal assistant" for either personal care or safety reasons, or the use of an auxiliary service (eg. match commentary for visually impaired supporters).

A "designated area" is any area (including specific seats around the stadium) that the club shall,at its sole discretion, determine as being available for a concessionary ticket price.

A person has a "disability" if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his /her ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

Plymouth Argyle Football Club reserves the right to request "proof of disability" before issuing any concession. Such proof shall include:

Receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care component).

Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance.

NB Receipt of an Orange/Blue badge will not be considered sufficient proof of disability.

CONTACT WITH EXISTING DISABLED SUPPORTERS

Plymouth Argyle Football Club has an open dialogue with its supporters with disabilities and encourages them to contact the club on a regular basis to discuss facilities and improvements etc.

Plymouth Argyle's designated Disabled Liaison Officer is Barry Hardman, and he can be contacted on 01752-562561 or via e-mail at barry.hardman@pafc.co.uk.

FACILITIES FOR SUPPORTERS USING WHEELCHAIRS

The club have positions available for wheelchair supporters in the Devonport, Lyndhurst and Barn Park areas of the ground with a space alongside for a personal assistant.

It is the club policy that one helper with any disabled person using a wheelchair receives their admission to the ground free of charge. The wheelchair supporter is required to pay the normal admission price for that particular game. Season tickets are available for both the wheelchair supporter and their personal assistant.

FACILITIES FOR SUPPORTERS WITH AMBULATORY DISABILITIES

The club recognise that there are considerable numbers of people in the community who use wheelchairs mainly for outdoor mobility purposes but are not necessarily confined to their wheelchair. There are also many people suffering severe walking difficulties who may wish to watch a match.

For the purposes of this policy and the administration of the concessionary ticketing policy both categories of people will be termed as 'ambulatory disabled supporters and those supporters with ambulatory disabilities of a severe nature will qualify for the concessionary treatment and have access to seating nearest the entrances/exits.

Eligibility to these areas will be dependent on providing proof of disability as described previously or will be decided on individual merit.

CAR PARKING FACILITIES

The club has a limited number of parking spaces, which are allocated to supporters with disabilities with the most severe mobility difficulties. These places can be apllied for on a seasonal basis on a concessionary basis. Applications can be made to the ticket office and each request will be judged on its individual merits. Seasonal passes will be issued depending on availability.

DISABLED PERSONS TOILETS

The club have provided disabled toilets for supporters with disabilities which are adjacent to those areas occupied by wheelchair users. Each of the toilets is alarmed.

If you experience any problems with the use of these toilets please contact the nearest steward on matchday or the club safety officer after the match.

ACCESS TO OTHER FACILITIES

The club has many facilities on matchdays and non matchdays which are not directly linked with actually watching the match. Whilst a number of the facilities are currently accesible the club accept that some areas do present a problem to supporters with disabilities. The age and structure of some areas do currently prevent improvement.

STEWARD TRAINING

The club's stewards are trained in the FSQ modular system, which includes a disability module. The club have nominated specific stewards to work in the disability designated areas to assist wherever possible.

CONCLUSION

Every reasonable adjustment is being made to all the services provided by the different departments at the club in order to comply with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Plymouth Argyle Football Club openly welcome comments on this policy and would encourage any person to contact the club with their comments or queries.